CIDP is a treatable autoimmune condition that causes progressive weakness and numbness, usually starting in the legs and arms. Unlike similar conditions that develop quickly, CIDP develops slowly over at least two months and typically requires ongoing treatment. With proper care, most people with CIDP experience significant improvement in their symptoms.
Progressive weakness in arms and legs (both close to the body and in hands/feet)
Numbness and tingling sensations
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair
Trouble with balance and coordination
Loss of reflexes
Problems gripping objects or using utensils
Frequent trips and falls
Chronic Fatigue
Typical CIDP (Classic CIDP): The most common form, accounting for about 50-60% of cases. It causes symmetrical weakness and sensory loss in both arms and legs that affects muscles both close to and far from the body. Symptoms develop slowly and progressively.
Distal CIDP (DADS - Distal Acquired Demyelinating Symmetric): Affects mainly the hands and feet in a symmetrical pattern, with weakness and sensory loss starting at the far ends of the limbs and working toward the body.
Multifocal CIDP (MADSAM - Multifocal Acquired Demyelinating Sensory and Motor Neuropathy): Also called Lewis-Sumner syndrome. Affects nerves unevenly, causing weakness and sensory loss in specific areas, often more in one arm or leg than the other.
Pure Motor CIDP: Affects only motor nerves, causing muscle weakness without sensory symptoms like numbness or tingling.
Pure Sensory CIDP: Affects only sensory nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation without significant muscle weakness.
Focal CIDP: Affects specific nerve areas, such as nerves in one limb or the brachial or lumbosacral plexus.
The following tests can be used to confirm a diagnosis of CIDP:
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests check how well nerves and muscles are working. They look for signs of nerve damage and slowed nerve signals that are typical in CIDP.
Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): A doctor uses a needle to collect a small sample of fluid from around the spinal cord. In most people with CIDP, this fluid shows high protein levels but normal white blood cell counts.
Blood Tests: Blood tests help rule out other conditions and may check for certain antibodies or proteins that can be linked to CIDP.
Nerve Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of nerve tissue may be removed and examined to look for signs of inflammation and damage to the myelin.
Medications
Medications used for managing CIDP include:
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): IVIG is a treatment given through a vein that helps control the immune system. It is one of the most common treatments for CIDP and most people receive it regularly.
Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG): This is a form of immunoglobulin treatment that is given under the skin and can be used for ongoing treatment instead of IVIG.
Corticosteroids: Medications like prednisone or dexamethasone help reduce inflammation and calm the immune system's attack on the nerves.
Immunosuppressants: Other medications that suppress the immune system, such as azathioprine or monoclonal antibodies, may be used when other treatments are not effective.
Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): This procedure removes harmful antibodies from the blood and can help reduce symptoms in people with severe CIDP.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength, improve mobility, and manage symptoms.
There are multiple CIDP research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov to find CIDP research studies near you.
Find an online community of fellow patients, caregivers, and advocates below as
as well as some other general resources!
